Mechanical Engineering specializations
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, intersecting with industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, product design, and manufacturing.
At Oregon State University, the mechanical engineering degree program offers several transcript-visible options, or specializations, to help you choose a focused pathway that aligns with your career goals.
Keep reading to explore the eight mechanical engineering options available at Oregon State.
What are the mechanical engineering specializations?
Aerospace engineering option
Aerospace engineering features concentrated coursework in the design, manufacture, and operation of aerospace systems. For example, upon graduation from Oregon State University, mechanical engineering graduate Wyatt Weaver joined Tektronix as a mechanical design engineer. Tektronix assembles and tests microelectronic equipment for medical, military, aerospace, and high-speed communication applications.
Computational engineering option
Computational engineering includes concentrated upper-division coursework in the area of computational methods for mechanical engineering. Students who complete the computational engineering option will be prepared to create algorithms and apply computational tools to the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical products and systems.
Explore the computational engineering option
Energy and fluid systems option
Energy and fluid systems is an option focusing on the design and analysis of engineered systems that rely on thermodynamics, heat transport, and fluid mechanics to operate. For example, mechanical engineering student Bridger Cook interned with Pacific Power, where he identified excessive energy leaks in mechanical equipment.
Explore the energy and fluid systems option
Energy systems engineering option
Energy systems engineering is an option focusing on the design, processes, and systems used to convert, distribute, and store energy. Hear from energy systems engineering students sharing what they like about the program.
Explore the energy systems engineering option
Materials design and manufacturing option
Materials design and manufacturing is for students who want to focus on the design, manufacture and application of new or improved materials for engineered products and systems, like semiconductors. Explore Oregon State’s answer to increasing workforce needs in the semiconductor industry.
Explore the materials design and manufacturing option
Mechanical engineering science option
Mechanical engineering science is the broadest and most flexible option. This option prepares students for the widest range of careers and graduate studies inside and outside of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering students at Oregon State gain hands-on and transdisciplinary experience during their capstone projects. One capstone team optimized an Aprilia 50cc motorcycle running on renewable biofuel, ultimately setting a new speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Explore the mechanical engineering science option
Product design and manufacturing
Product design and manufacturing is an option for students who want to design new, innovative products as well as the integrated systems needed to produce high-quality, economically competitive products. For example, Oregon State mechanical engineering student Genevieve Coblentz-Strong worked in the Innovation Lab to design a scientific instrument for ocean researchers, combining her interests in engineering and promoting healthy oceans.
Explore the product design and manufacturing option
Robotic control option
A popular option, robotic control allows students to take concentrated coursework in the design, analysis, and control of robotic systems. Oregon State mechanical engineering student Lara Rupnawar participates in robotics studies focusing on improving the medical experience of children and veterans with disabilities. Her work involves analyzing data and designing robotic components, taking into account the overall experience of those interacting with the robots.